13 July 2026

Hestia's Art is Freedom exhibition is currently on display in the central atrium of Portcullis House, Parliament's main office building for MPs, where it will remain until 31 July.

Carolyn Harris MP

Supported by Carolyn Harris MP, the exhibition showcases artwork created by 19 artists who have survived modern slavery, all of whom have been supported by Hestia's Modern Slavery Response Service.

Art is Freedom is our annual art and photography exhibition, giving survivors the opportunity to develop their creative skills through workshops before exhibiting their work in public. The exhibition celebrates creativity and resilience while raising awareness of modern slavery and the support available to survivors.

Left: Nick Smith MP meets Hestia survivor-artist. Right: Sojan Joseph MP meets Hestia survivor-artist.  

This year's theme, Seen and Heard, was chosen by the survivor-artists themselves.

Visitors to the exhibition this week included Sojan Joseph MP, Peter Dowd MP, Nick Smith MP and Ellie Reeves MP, who met with Hestia colleagues to view the artwork.

From left to right: Dame Moira Gibb DBE (Hestia), Patrick Ryan (Hestia), Carolyn Harris MP, Ilaria Ferrari (Hestia)

The Portcullis House exhibition follows last year's public display across central London, which featured artwork in iconic locations including Trafalgar Square and London Bridge Station, as well as a special Anti-Slavery Day showcase on the Piccadilly Lights.

Survivor-artists are already participating in workshops to create new pieces for our next Art is Freedom exhibition, which will be displayed across central London this October.

Find out more about Art is Freedom